Enchanted Cottage (Avador Book 3, Books We Love Fantasy Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page A

absorbing the sights and sounds of the city. Shoppers threw her shocked and disgusted looks, but she ignored them, her only desire to accomplish her tasks and return home. Bittersweet memories came back in a rush, the happy times she’d spent with her mother, on the rare occasions when they went shopping in the city. The entire family had often attended festivals here, enjoying the booths and buying souvenirs.
    Yet other memories came to mind. For reasons she refused to identify, she thought about Brendan and wondered what he was doing now, how he fared. To be honest, she supposed she wanted to compare him to Colin. As if either man would desire her now! Brendan was a good man, aye, and a skilled carpenter. But she recalled his temper, his impatience with other people. In any event, he was no longer part of her life. With a spurt of determination, she banished all recollections—good and bad—and resolved to complete her chores.
    First, she must sell her bracelet. She heaved a deep sigh, twisting the bracelet around her wrist. How she regretted not taking money from her home in Cairn—money she’d earned!—but the villagers hadn’t given her a chance. Swallowing hard, she rose from the bench and headed for the jewelry store, one she knew from previous visits to be reputable. Heading in that direction, she took a deep breath for courage, well aware her face would startle the owner’s sensibilities.
    Walking as fast as possible, she made her way along the cobblestone streets. She tried to
    e njoy all the sights of the capital, as she had so many times in the past. Elm trees planted along the wide avenue tossed their branches in a warm breeze. Here and there, shops boasted flower boxes in front, filled with geraniums, pansies and other bright flowers. Street vendors sold meat pies and cookies, all manner of snacks that looked and smelled tempting. Possibly later, after she finished her shopping, she might spare a copper coin for a delicacy. For now, her appetite had left her.
    Easing her way among the many people, she reached the jewelry store. She braced herself before stepping inside. She caught the proprietor’s startled expression but shoved his reaction aside. She just wanted to dispense with the whole unfortunate business.
    After a bit of haggling, she sold the bracelet.
    “A well-crafted piece,” the owner said, setting the piece in the window. “We don’t see such unusual gold jewelry these days, with its intricate etching.”
    The gold coins from the sale rested in her pocket, enough for several purchases and many coins left over.
    At the dress shop one street away, she was measured for a dress. She decided at the last minute to order two warm dresses and a cape. That would suffice for cold weather. A shoe shop abutted the dress shop where she was measured for a pair of sturdy shoes. No more sandals!
    Two streets away from the dress shop, on Perfume Lane, she spied a toiletry shop and entered. A bell sounded as she opened the door, and sweet aromas floated through the air. A woman with gray hair appeared from a back room, and for the first time that day, Alana wasn’t met with a look of disgust.
    “Hello,” the owner greeted her. “I’m Radegunda. Dear one, I may have an ointment to clear up your skin, if you don’t mind my frank talkin’.”
    Leaning on the counter, Alana shook her head. “I’ve tried everything, and nothing works. A … a witch put a curse on me.”
    “A curse? Why a curse on you?”
    Alana hesitated, wondering how much to tell the woman. “She accused me of practicing black witchcraft, of sorcery I never committed.” She caught Radegunda’s appraising look, as if the woman questioned her statement.
    “Ah.” Radegunda sniffed. “I know a bit about witchcraft. There is good magic and bad. It can be used as a blessing or a curse.” She folded her hands on the wooden counter. “You might not remember the days of King Tencien, the queen’s father who ruled years ago. In